Taking on the challenge: Evaluating the benefits of participating in solar vehicle racing

Abstract

Solar Challenge events are hosted around the world with growing numbers of teams competing with solar powered electric vehicles designed and built by engineering students. These projects are resource intensive and require a great deal of effort and commitment from everyone involved. The purpose of the research is to comment on the value of participating in these events and to evaluate student participation in the South African Solar Challenge event as a cooperative learning environment. The research comments on the impact of the Solar Challenge on the student learning experience.